Baked Apple Fritters Recipe

These Baked Apple Fritters are a healthier twist on the classic deep-fried treat. Packed with sweet, spiced apples and baked to golden perfection, they’re tender on the inside and slightly crisp on the outside. Drizzled with a simple glaze, these fritters are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert!

Makes: 12 fritters

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

For the Fritters:

• 2 medium apples (such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji), peeled, cored, and finely diced
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter , melted
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract

For the Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2-3 tbsp milk (or apple cider for extra flavor)
• 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
• Optional: Pinch of ground cinnamon

Instructions:

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) . Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with nonstick spray.

Step 2: Make the Batter

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
2. In a separate bowl, combine the buttermilk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth.
3. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
4. Gently fold in the diced apples until evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 3: Shape the Fritters

1. Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop rounded portions of batter onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
2. Use the back of a spoon or your fingers to gently flatten each fritter slightly.

Step 4: Bake the Fritters

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes , or until the fritters are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
2. Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Step 5: Make the Glaze

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk (or apple cider), and vanilla extract until smooth. Add more milk, 1 teaspoon at a time, if needed to reach a drizzling consistency.
2. If desired, stir in a pinch of cinnamon for extra warmth.

Step 6: Glaze and Serve

1. Drizzle the glaze generously over the cooled fritters.
2. Let the glaze set for a few minutes before serving.

Tips for Success:

• Choose the right apples: Use a mix of sweet and tart apples (like Honeycrisp and Granny Smith) for the best flavor balance.
• Add-ins: Stir in chopped nuts (like walnuts or pecans) or raisins for extra texture and flavor.
• Make ahead: Store unglazed fritters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze for longer storage. Reheat in the oven before glazing.
• Fry option: For a more traditional texture, fry spoonfuls of batter in hot oil (350°F/175°C) for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown.

Nutritional Information (per fritter, makes 12):

• Calories: ~180
• Protein: ~2g
• Carbohydrates: ~30g
• Fat: ~6g

Enjoy these Baked Apple Fritters as a lighter, yet equally delicious alternative to fried fritters. Their warm, spiced apple filling and sweet glaze make them a comforting treat any time of day!